Cellular DevOps Engineer - Wearables Connectivity (Engineering Labs)

Cellular DevOps Engineer - Wearables Connectivity (Engineering Labs) Network Infrastructure & Labs - Cellular Connectivity Menlo Park (100% onsite at Client office) 6 months contract to start with Note: Only USC and GC need to apply for this role who can work on W2 Tax-Term. Role Overview We are seeking a Cellular-DevOps Engineer to join our Wearables Cellular team within Engineering Labs. This role sits at the intersection of public and private 5G/LTE cellular network engineering and DevOps automation, supporting the development and testing of next-generation wearable devices with cellular connectivity. You will be responsible for building, operating, and automating the infrastructure that enables end-to-end cellular testing - from RF signal path optimization and modem provisioning to CI/CD pipeline integration and automated IP management services. This is a hands-on engineering role that requires both hardware lab familiarity and strong software/automation skills. Key Responsibilities: Cellular & RF Engineering (40%)Private 5G/LTE Network Operations: Configure and maintain small-cell/callbox infrastructure supporting NR SA, LTE, and NR-RedCap across multiple frequency bands (n2, n5, n25, n66, B2, B5, B66)RF Signal Path Management: Optimize RSRP/RSRQ/SINR measurements in shielded test environments; troubleshoot signal path issues including cabling, attenuation, and antenna configurationDevice Modem Provisioning: Manage modem calibration file provisioning, EFS (Embedded File System) operations, QMI/DIAG interfaces, and modem mode configurationCellular E2E Test Execution: Run and validate NR attach/detach cycles, data path verification (ping/DNS/iperf3), GNSS integration, and multi-RAT connectivity scenariosHardware Lab Operations: Stage and pair devices in shield boxes, manage rack equipment mapping, coordinate with callbox vendors, and maintain reference device baselines DevOps & Automation (40%)CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Configure and maintain automated test lanes - both blocking and non-blocking - for cellular test suites within continuous integration frameworksInfrastructure-as-Code: Manage network ACLs, network configuration pushes, proxy filters, and DNS automation pipelinesService Development (Python): Build and maintain automated services such as IP management pipelines (static routing, DNS verification, asset tagging, batch processing)Database & State Management: Administer MySQL databases, schema migrations, configuration management systems, and service state storesMonitoring & Observability: Instrument services with time-series metrics, manage alerting thresholds, respond to health alerts, and track SLA complianceInventory & Asset Management: Extend and maintain device inventory systems - CLI tools, reservation workflows, and device registration pipelines Test Framework & Tooling (20%)E2E Test Development: Author config-driven cellular E2E tests (JavaScript/Jest) covering LTE, NR SA, NR-RedCap, and attach/detach scenariosCallbox Integration Tooling: Develop and maintain Python/Thrift bridges for callbox queries and control RPCsModem Utility Libraries: Contribute to shared libraries for device-side modem management (mode switching, airplane mode, cellular measurements)Lab Network Tooling: Build and maintain lab network management features (PoE control, port management, VLAN allocation) Required Qualifications3+ years of experience in cellular/wireless engineering, DevOps, or a combined infrastructure rolePrivate cellular network experience: Hands-on with 4G LTE and/or 5G NR - including cell planning, RF measurements (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR), and UE attach/registration flowsProgramming proficiency: Python (primary) with working knowledge of JavaScript; ability to write production services and test automationLinux systems administration: Comfortable with shell scripting, systemd services, networking (VLANs, static routing, iptables/nftables), and embedded device interaction (adb, fastboot, serial)Infrastructure automation: Experience with at least two of: CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure-as-Code, configuration management, database administration, or monitoring systemsDebugging mindset: Ability to troubleshoot across the full stack - from RF signal levels and modem firmware to service RPCs and database queries Preferred QualificationsExperience with Amarisoft or similar small-cell/callbox platforms (Keysight, R&S)Familiarity with Qualcomm modem tooling (QXDM, QMI, DIAG, NV item provisioning, EFS management)Exposure to wearable/IoT device development or testingExperience with Thrift/gRPC service development and service mesh architecturesKnowledge of MCTP/NCSI or other baseboard management protocolsBackground in test automation frameworks (Jest, pytest, or similar)Familiarity with network security tooling (ACL generation, firewall policy management)Experience operating shielded/anechoic test environments TechnicalEnvironment Domain Technologies Cellular Amarisoft gNB/eNB, 5G NR SA/NSA, LTE, NR-RedCap, QMI/DIAG, iperf3, commercial carrier networks (public signal testing) Languages Python, JavaScript (Jest), Bash, C (firmware) Infra & DevOps CI/CD pipelines, configuration management, MySQL, time-series monitoring, DNS automation Test Frameworks Jest (E2E), continuous integration gates, automated test orchestration Devices Wearable prototypes, development boards, reference UEs Networking VLANs, static routing, PoE, proxy configuration, DNS Hardware Shield boxes, RF cables/attenuators, rack infrastructure 'What We're Looking For' Beyond technical skills, we value the following traits in candidates for this role:Quick Learner: You pick up new tools, protocols, and systems fast - whether it's a new modem chipset, a CI framework you haven't used before, or an unfamiliar RF measurement technique. You don't wait to be taught; you dig in and figure it out.Self-Starter: You identify problems and fix them without waiting for someone to assign the work. When you see a gap in automation or a flaky test, you take ownership.Comfortable with Ambiguity: This role spans hardware, software, and RF - you won't always have a playbook. You're energized (not paralyzed) by open-ended problems.Collaborative: You work across disciplines (firmware, RF, DevOps, test engineering) and communicate clearly with people who have different technical backgrounds. You share knowledge freely.Bias Toward Action: You ship incremental improvements rather than waiting for the perfect solution. You're comfortable iterating in production lab environments where speed matters.Detail-Oriented Under Pressure: RF and modem work demand precision - a wrong attenuation value or misconfigured NV item can waste hours. You double-check your work and build safeguards into your automation. What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)Month 1-2: Onboard to the cellular lab environment; gain hands-on familiarity with the callbox infrastructure, wearable devices, and the existing test suiteMonth 2-3: Own and extend one automation pipeline (e.g., IP management or device inventory); deliver at least one improvement to reliability or throughputMonth 3-4: Author or extend a cellular E2E test covering a new band/RAT/scenario; integrate it into the CI pipeline as an automated gateMonth 4-6: Drive an infrastructure improvement end-to-end - e.g., automated modem provisioning, callbox health monitoring, or test fleet scaling Location This role works closely with wearable connectivity and device infrastructure teams to ensure reliable cellular testing at scale.